Perilous Times

My heart breaks for those suffering at the hand of terrorism in Boston this week. 

This kind of senseless violence only re-emphasizes to me the fact that we are indeed living in perilous times.   The scriptures speak of wars and rumors of wars, and that we are not to be afraid, for these things must happen.  But “look up” for our redemption draws near. 

If you are a Christian, you know that the culmination of all things is at hand.  We are admonished to “redeem the time”, meaning make the best use of whatever time you have left by living on purpose.  Whatever God has called you to do, do it! Get on with it!  Stop living in fear and trepidation; work out your soul’s salvation with fear and trembling.  In other words, “Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God.” Phil. 2:12 (MSG)

If you are not, you may be feeling fearful, anxious and uncertain about the days ahead.  Perhaps it’s because you’re not sure where you stand with God.  We have no way of knowing when our time is up.  Indeed our very next breath is not promised.  Do you know where you’re going if something were to happen to you today or tomorrow? 

You can be sure of where you will spend eternity by praying this simple prayer:

Lord Jesus, I believe in my heart that You are the Son of the Living God; I confess with my mouth that You came to this world and died on the cross for my sins and was raised on the third day.  I confess that I’m sinner, for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.  Please come into my heart, forgive me of my sins, be my Savior and Lord, and make me who You want me to be.  Thank you, Lord, for saving me! 

If you prayed that prayer, I want to hear from you. I want to rejoice with you and offer some guidance in your new walk with God.  Congratulations!  Welcome to the family of God!  

Crucified with Christ

Read:  Romans 6:1-6

The season of Lent has officially begun starting on February 13, 2013, Ash Wednesday.  Lent begins 40 days prior to Easter Sunday.  It is a time of preparation through repentance and a recommitment to our walk with the Lord.  It's a time to prepare our hearts for recognition of Christ's death, burial and resurrection.  Our highest goal should be "to know Him in the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering."

Jesus was not only crucified in His physical body, but He was also crucified in His very nature.  The scripture says, that He being in very nature God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God, but instead, He made Himself of no reputation and took on the likeness of human flesh, and being found as man, He humbled Himself and became obedient, even to death on a cross (paraphrased).  Jesus laid aside His divine nature for our sakes. 

We too are called upon to be crucified with Christ, if we hope to attain the resurrection from the dead.  Jesus said to His disciples if any man would come after Me, He must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.  Taking up our cross is the sacrificial suffering we endure for His sake.  We must also crucify the deeds of the flesh (our sinful nature); thus, being crucified with Him. 

My challenge to you is to examine your life in light of Matthew 5, 6 and 7 (The Sermon on the Mount).  Begin in prayer with Psalm 139:24-25.  As the Holy Spirit speaks to you, you should begin to move through the three "C's" of repentence: 

• Conviction - the Holy Spirit will bring conviction in areas that need attention.  He will also lead you into all truth; you should come away from this experience feeling hopeful, not condemned. 
• Confession - this is not just a verbal admission of your sin, but should also be marked by a heart that is contrite, expressing remorse - a sincere sorrow unto repentence.  See Psalm 51
• Contrition (also Repentence) - this is the point where you are ready to "turn from" your sinful way and turn back to God. 

True repentence will bring you right to the foot of the cross where you will see clearly the enormous price that Jesus paid for your sins.  He was pierced for our iniquities, wounded for our transgressions and the chatisement of our peace was upon Him.  God made Him who knew no sin, to be made sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God.  (2 Cor. 5:21-22)

Your Reward - Promises of:  Forgiveness (1 John 1:9) and a clean start; If any man be in Christ he is a new creation; old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new! 

As an Ambassador of Jesus Christ, I beseech you, beloved, as though Christ were making His appeal through me, be reconciled to God!  Repent! The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!